Microsoft Defender is an easy-to-use security app that protects the device and personal data from spyware, viruses, or other online threats. However, it can sometimes interfere with certain processes, such as installing third-party software, by incorrectly flagging them as malicious. In such situations, you may want to disable Microsoft Defender for a specific app or file.
Method 1: Adding Exclusion to Windows Defender
Open Windows Security, press Win + S, and search Windows Security.
Open Virus & threat protection from the left panel or the Security at a glance main menu.
Choose Manage settings.
Scroll down to the Exclusions section, and click Add or remove exclusions.
The Windows User Account Controller will ask you to grant permission to make changes to the device. Click Yes to proceed.
Click on Add an exclusion to add items to exclude from antivirus scans. Choose files, folders, or even processes (depending on your need). In the case of a third-party software installation, choose the entire folder containing the application.
By adding items to this menu, the Microsoft Windows Defender will exclude them from future scans. Ensure that you only add files that are from trusted sources.
Method 2: Controlled Folder Access to an App
Providing controlled folder access protects files, folders, and memory areas on the device and blocks applications (including antivirus programs) from making any changes to them. You are essentially creating a list of trusted applications.
To provide Controlled Folder Access, open Manage Settings (as specified above): Windows Security -> Virus & threat protection -> Manage Settings. Choose Manage Controlled folder access.
Under the Controlled folder access section, turn on the toggle, and click Allow an app through Controlled folder access.
- Click Add an allowed app, and choose one of the functions from the drop-down menu. If an app is blocked by Windows Security, choose Recently blocked apps. To select a new application, click Browse all apps.
Method 3: Using Registry Editor
If you are using Windows 11 Home, you can configure Registry Editor values to exclude an app from Microsoft Defender’s scans.
Open Registry Editor by pressing Windows + R and typing regedit. Alternatively, type Registry Editor in the Start Menu.
Navigate to the following location:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Exclusions
Right-click on Exclusions, click New, and choose DWORD (32-bit) value from the drop-down menu.
Enter the Value name after your app. For example, JayKakade.exe. Set the value data to 1 and click OK.
Method 4: Temporarily Disabling Microsoft Defender
One of the easiest ways to install third-party software without interference from Windows Security is to temporarily disable it.
- Open Windows Security -> Virus & threat protection -> Manage Settings (see above).
- Under the Real-time protection section, switch the toggle to off.
This measure is for a short period, and the real-time protection will turn on itself. However, this brief window should be sufficient to tinker with the file or software that was incorrectly flagged by Microsoft Defender. Use this method with caution, as it not onlky disables Windows Defender, It temporarily disables all antivirus protection on the device.
Windows Defender is deeply integrated with the Windows operating system, and therefore cannot be uninstalled altogether – but you can disable it. It can be disabled temporarily or permanently and is not recommended, as it leaves the system vulnerable to malware infection.
Image credit: Vecteezy. All screenshots by Jay Kakade.
